UNILAG Concludes 18th Annual Research Conference on Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work, Education, and Wellbeing

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) officially concluded its 18th Annual Research Conference on Friday, October 17, 2025, marking the end of three intellectually stimulating days of dialogue, cutting-edge research presentations, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

The event, themed “The Future of Work, Education and Wellbeing in the AI Age,” drew over 120 participants and took place at various venues across the university’s main campus in Akoka, Lagos. It featured robust discussions and research presentations exploring the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on society—cementing UNILAG’s standing as a hub for innovation and future-driven scholarship.

The conference showcased a rich mix of oral and poster sessions, highlighting pioneering research across disciplines. From AI’s applications in environmental monitoring and healthcare to its influence on education, business, and the humanities, the discussions emphasized the power of ethical and inclusive AI adoption.

In her closing remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & Research), Professor Bola Oboh, commended the quality and depth of research showcased, noting that the works reflected a strong multidisciplinary approach. She praised the dedication of the Conference Planning Committee and encouraged academics and students to stay curious and adaptable in the rapidly changing digital era.

Her words: “If we don’t accept the current digital realities, we risk being left behind.”

The Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee and Director, Research Management Office (RMO), Professor Solomon Okunuga, presented the official communiqué, summarizing key insights from the event’s six sub-themes. He emphasized that Artificial Intelligence should be viewed not as a threat, but as a tool that augments human capability, enhances efficiency, and drives scientific discovery.

He further highlighted the need to embed human rights and ethical considerations at the core of AI development, especially as the technology becomes more integrated into education and the labour market.

A major highlight of the conference was the presentation of awards and plaques to outstanding participants for excellence in oral and poster presentations across both the sciences and humanities.

UNILAG RESEARCH CONFERENCE 2025 — WINNERS OF PRIZES AND AWARDEES

Poster Presentations

Humanities Category

• 1st Place: Adekemi Omotubora, Oladipupo Sennaike, Victor Odumuyiwa, Chika Yinka-Banjo, Maxwell Igweogu, Ekemini Okpongkpong, Thummim Iyoha–Osagie, and Amirah Rufai — “Women Experience Privacy Differently: Towards a Gender and Inclusion by Design (GEIBD) Approach in Africa.”
• 2nd Place: Jogbenu and Abiola Mautin (University of Lagos) — “Artificial Intelligence (AI), Surveillance, and Labour Rights in Nigeria: Towards Sustainable Human Resource Management in the Digital Age.”
• 3rd Place: Nwaogu Gideon Chimeremeze Ogbonna (Federal University, Lokoja) — “Reimagining Education in the AI Age: Curriculum Reform, Policy Strategies, and Human Development.”

Sciences Category

• 1st Place: Okodeh S.O., Egbedokun S.O., Isioma I.A., Rieninwa R., Afolayan O.O., Nwoye E.O. — “AI Reveals the Hidden Link: Quantifying Urban Heat Island Effects on Sleep Architecture and Cognitive Function.”
• 2nd Place: Igbinigie G.O., Adeleye O.A., Daniyan I.A. (Bells University of Technology / University of Lagos) — “Paralysis Diagnosis Using Artificial Neural Network (ANN).”
• 3rd Place: Ogundeji Rotimi Kayode, Aleem Anuoluwapo Oluwayemisi, Tijani Motunrayo Zainab (University of Lagos / Temple University, USA) — “Statistical Analysis of Factors Affecting Retention of Female Students in Tertiary Institutions.”

Oral Presentations

Humanities Category

• 1st Place: Temitope J. Owolabi (Department of Sociology, UNILAG) — “Disruptive by Design: The Reshaping of Work and Wellbeing of Women in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”
• 2nd Place: Esther O. Thontteh, Mohammed Ishaq Mohammed, Okonu Al-Ameen, Ugwocha Nnenna, Sobande Emmanuel, Evelyn Iweka (UNILAG, ATBU Bauchi, AE-FUNAI Ebonyi) — “Artificial Intelligence and the Built Environment.”
• 3rd Place: Bukola Amao-Taiwo, Fakeye, and Sodiq Damilare (Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre, UNILAG) — “Smart Campus Technology Adoption and Entrepreneurial Competencies of University of Lagos Student Entrepreneurs.”

Sciences Category

• 1st Place: Uloma Ubani-Ukoma, Xiunan Li, Mahmood Faiyaz, Maryam Parhizkar, Duncan Q.M. Craig, Hend Abdelhakim (UCL, University of Bath, UNILAG) — “Design and Characterisation of Taste-Masked Coaxial Electrospun Fibre Mats for Dual Drug Delivery of Antihypertensives in Paediatrics.”
• 2nd Place: Olubusola O. Olaleye, Margaret O. Sofidiya, Marvellous C. Uzor, Ganiyat T. Ajakaiye, Oluwole B. Familoni (UNILAG) — “Senecio biafrae: A Leafy Vegetable with Gastroprotective Property.”
• 3rd Place: Not awarded.

Students Category

Humanities

• 1st Place: Chizea Chukwuebuka and Dele Oye (Department of Architecture, UNILAG) — “Assessment of Architecture Students’ Attitudes Towards AI-Assisted Design: A Case Study at the University of Lagos.”
• 2nd Place: Okewole Sulaimon — “Transformative Educational Leadership for AI Readiness in Lagos State Public Senior Secondary Schools: Opportunities, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations.”
• 3rd Place: Not awarded.

Sciences

• 1st Place: Opeoluwa Mardiyyah Makanjuola, Olabisi Aminat Oladipupo, Ayodele Elizabeth Omotayo (Department of Microbiology, UNILAG) — “Evaluation of the Efficiency of Keratinase-Producing Bacteria in the Biodegradation of Keratinous Waste.”
• 2nd Place: Lasbat Folorunsho Kabiawu-Mutiu — “In Silico Investigation of Musa spp. Leaf Phytoconstituents as Potential Inhibitors of Aeromonas hydrophila: An AI-Driven Approach to Sustainable Aquaculture and Fish Health.”
• 3rd Place: Not awarded.

  

As the curtains fell on the 18th Annual Research Conference, the atmosphere was one of reflection and renewal. Beyond marking the end of a successful academic event, it reaffirmed UNILAG’s unwavering commitment to research leadership, innovation, and knowledge exchange that drives societal progress.

Coming shortly after UNILAG’s International Week, the conference further reinforced the university’s position as a driving force for intellectual advancement and interdisciplinary collaboration both nationally and globally.